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An unusual combination of 20th-century Russian masterworks herald debut appearances by both conductor and soloist in Sydney.

Andrey Boreyko makes an impressive debut with the Boston Symphony, where Evgeny Kissin performs in not one, but two piano concertos. 

Lyadov, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich play to Petrenko’s Russian strengths with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and 15-year old soloist, Christian Li.

Vladimir Jurowski conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in works by four Russian composers whose UK premieres were all unveiled at the Proms. 

Chen plays a fine solo part in Bruch and delights with his encore; Orozco-Estrada and the LPO provide some good moments but fall short of their best form.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vladimir Jurowski and the soloist Ray Chen offer the next instalment in a series showcasing the works of Stravinsky and their historical influences.

Denis Kozhukhin provided flowing intensity in Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto while Yuri Temirkanov crafted a polished Shostakovich 5 with the Philharmonia.

Shostakovich's Eighth dominated another memorable City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra programme. 

“Never look encouragingly at the brass,” was one of Richard Strauss’ conducting commandments. Yuri Temirkanov took this maxim to heart, barely looking at any members of his St Petersburg Philharmonic during an absorbing account of Shostakovich’sSymphony no. 10 in E minor.

As part of their Autumn UK tour, Russia’s oldest symphony orchestra delivered Liadov, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, but failed to create a lasting impression.